adj
backstreet
adj
1
Relating to the smaller, less prominent streets of a neighborhood, often poorer or less well-kept.
"They grew up in a backstreet part of town that tourists never saw."
2
Done secretly and illegally, often in unsafe or unregulated conditions.
"The documentary exposed dangerous backstreet clinics operating without any medical licenses."
How to Use Backstreet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a rundown side street, or (as an adjective) something shady and unlicensed done out of public sight.
Common pairings
backstreet deal
backstreet abortion
Word Forms
more backstreet comparative, most backstreet superlative
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They grew up in a _____ part of town that tourists never saw.
Etymology
From back + street, describing streets tucked away from a town's main thoroughfares.